Transcript File - Ballard Theatre

Romanticism
Ballet…
• Continues to develop and
remain popular
New Conventions:
– Pointe shoes become
popular (defying gravity)
– Skirts/tutus get shorter to
show the more
complicated steps that are
developing
Star Ballerinas become the fashion…
Maria Taglioni (1804 – 1884)
• 1st to excel en pointe
• Establishes the bellshaped tutu as the norm
• Originates the title role of
La Sylphide (one if the
first Romantic ballets)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw4zPn59ei
I&feature=related (55:00) Paris, 2004
Star Ballerinas become the fashion…
Fanny Elssler (1810 –
1899)
• Perfects the art of
character dancing
(acting & dancing)
Star Ballerinas become the fashion…
Fanny Cerrito (1817-1909)
• Known as a dancer
AND choreographer
• Dances the pas de
quatre with other
ballerinas of the day
• Studies technique with
Carlo Blasis
Star Ballerinas become the fashion…
Lucile Grahn
(
1819-1899
• Was a dancer & ballet
producer
• Danced the Pas de quatre
Star Ballerinas become the fashion…
Carlotta Grisi (18191899)
• Originates the role of
Giselle
• Dances in the pas de
quatre
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Hjf
YNr_31w&feature=related
(London, Royal Ballet, 2007)
Code of Terpsicore
1830
• Carlo Blasis (dancer, teacher,
choreographer) writes this
handbook for the teaching of
ballet
• It is still in use today, without
many changes
• Originates the “attitude”
position
• Teaches at Teatro alla Scala in
Milan, Italy
Romantic Theatre
Central beliefs:
• There is a higher truth than the physical (the
spiritual )
• The less sophisticated the person… the more
“pure” he/she is
• The physical side of a person is often at odds with
the spiritual
• One can only become a superior human being
when one is in touch with the artist or philosopher
in ourselves
German Romantic Theatre
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(1749-1832)
• Writes Faust, parts 1 (1808) &
2 (1831)
• It is significant because it’s a
turn away from the standard
Faust which is usually a
morality tale
• His Faust becomes a musical
work and an opera for many
of the best composers of the
time
French Romantic Theatre
• Literary works are translated for the stage:
Victor Hugo’s Cromwell, Dumas’ 3 Muskateers
and The Count of Monte Cristo
• Edmond Rostand’s play, Cyrano de Bergerac
Melodrama
melody + drama
Conventions…
• Uses background music to heighten the emotional
impact of a scene on the audience (lyrical music = love
scene/ominous music – danger)
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Use big, detailed scenery
Simplified characters (good or evil)
Stock characters with little character development
Actors use exaggerated movements & poses
Frantic chase scenes, duels, fights, etc.
Working –class audiences grow because of the
added emotional appeals
Melodrama stock characters…
Villain
Hero
Villain’s sidekick
Damsel in distress
Theatre Spaces… the giant Auditorium!
• As interest increases, theatres are built with more
and more capacity (2000+) in the proscenium style
• Seats change from wooden benches to comfy,
individual chairs
• Sets are more elaborate (need to be seen)
• Acting style is much more deliberate so that the
voices project to everyone
• Everything becomes more historically accurate
• Technology develops… hydraulic lifts are built into
the stage floor – gas lighting is used and can be
controlled
The Auditorium Theatre, Chicago
The Drury Lane Theatre, London
(a.k.a. the Royal Theatre)